When people think of museums, they often picture quiet galleries and glass cases—but Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve offers something completely different. Located just outside Bartlesville in the Osage Hills, Woolaroc combines a world-class museum with a live animal preserve, making it one of the most unique wildlife museums in Oklahoma.
If you’re searching for a family-friendly destination that mixes education, adventure, and nature, this hidden gem should be at the top of your list.
What Makes Woolaroc Different from Other Wildlife Museums?
Most wildlife museums offer indoor exhibits featuring preserved specimens or static displays. At Woolaroc, you don’t just see pictures of wildlife—you experience it firsthand. The preserve spans 3,700 acres of protected habitat where bison, elk, longhorn cattle, and exotic species roam freely.
You’ll drive through the preserve before you even reach the museum, giving you an up-close look at Oklahoma’s iconic prairie animals in a setting that mirrors their natural environment.
Along with its wildlife, Woolaroc is home to an impressive museum filled with:
- Western and Native American art
- Pioneer-era artifacts
- Historic firearms
- The original Woolaroc airplane, which won the 1927 Dole Air Race
Family Activities and Interactive Attractions
What truly sets Woolaroc apart is the variety of experiences it offers all in one location. In addition to the wildlife preserve and museum, the property features:
- A hands-on Animal Barn where children can meet and learn about goats, miniature donkeys, and chickens.
- The immersive Mountain Man Camp, where visitors can explore 1800s frontier life through live demonstrations and period-style structures.
- The Historic Lodge, once the personal retreat of oilman Frank Phillips, now open for guided tours and seasonal dinners.
The wide range of indoor and outdoor options means you can enjoy your visit in any season—rain or shine.
A Learning Destination for All Ages
Woolaroc is a favorite for school groups and educational tours because of its interdisciplinary appeal. Students can learn about:
- Native wildlife and conservation
- Oklahoma’s Indigenous history
- Western expansion and the pioneer experience
- Early 20th-century aviation and transportation
Group tours and school visits can be tailored to meet different age groups and curriculum needs, making it a valuable resource for educators as well as families.
Special Events That Bring the Grounds to Life
Woolaroc also hosts seasonal events that attract visitors from all over Oklahoma. Annual favorites include:
- Kidsfest: A two-day festival of crafts, games, and animal encounters designed for families with children.
- The Gathering at the ROC Car Show: Featuring classic cars, food trucks, and outdoor entertainment.
- Valentine’s Dinners in the Lodge: A one-of-a-kind dining experience inside Woolaroc’s historic lodge.
Be sure to check the full events calendar to plan your visit around upcoming programs.
Plan Your Visit to Woolaroc
Woolaroc is open year-round and is just a short drive from Tulsa or Bartlesville. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. With shaded picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and engaging exhibits at every turn, you’ll want to spend several hours exploring all that the museum and preserve have to offer.
Start your Woolaroc experience today:
Buy your tickets online
Explore the museum exhibits
Check upcoming events
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